GENET news: Misc

02.11.2006

Change in IRRI’s copyright policy to facilitate the free exchange of vital information

Los Baños, Philippines – After being given an important new role by the rice-producing nations of Asia to support the free flow of rice research and knowledge, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has announced an important change in its copyright policy.
Taking a leaf out of the software industry’s book, the Philippines-based Institute has announced that it will change its information copyright policy from the original «all rights reserved.” Effectively echoing the software industry’s open-source movement, others will now be able to use IRRI’s intellectual property provided they do not place restrictions on its use by anyone else.

02.11.2006

Premier announces new tax incentives aimed to bolster growth of bioscience industry in Prince Edward Island

On October 12, 2006, in Charlottetown, PEI Premier Pat Binns announced a comprehensive tax incentive package for the bioscience industry in Prince Edward Island that will encourage existing companies to expand and focus on commercial opportunities in the industry as well as help attract new companies to the province. Under this new tax incentive program, bioscience companies of more than 10 employees and a $750,000 annual payroll are eligible to receive a full rebate on their provincial corporate income taxes for up to 10 years. Premier Binns said money rebated to bioscience companies will be reinvested, helping to create more jobs and opportunities in the sector.

31.10.2006

Thailand reaffirms that all rice is GM-free

Thai authorities have assured importing countries that Thai rice is free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), in light of growing concerns, especially in Europe.

The European Union (EU), has urged Thai exporters to obtain GMO-free certification, at 1,800 baht per test, to improve confidence among European consumers, who are especially sensitive about genetically modified foods.

Concern rose earlier this year when genetically modified grains were detected in some rice shipped from the United States and China to the EU.

31.10.2006

New seed bill: A grave mistake

In the name of harmonizing with the European Union, the government has been submitting some bills to the Parliament that are loosely based on the EU acquis. This was the basis for the laws on sugar, tobacco and growers’ unions. The seed bill currently being discussed in Parliament is a similar half-thought-out piece of legislation. The EU stamp gives these bills some immunity from criticism and prevents the opposition from voicing their concerns. Especially when the bill is about an often-ignored group like farmers, the whole debate is crowded out.

31.10.2006

Kenya approves a national policy on biotechnology

[NAIROBI] The Kenyan government has approved its policy on how biotechnology is handled in research, development, and in its application.

The National Biotechnology Development Policy 2006 approved by the cabinet last month (28 September) marks the go-ahead for the use of biotechnology in the country.

It outlines the safety procedures for biotechnology in the context of research and development, technology transfer and commercialisation of products that would result from research undertaken in Kenya.

31.10.2006

Biowatch won't be cowed into submission

The environmental group Biowatch South Africa will be going to court again to fight a legal ruling that has the potential to cow other watchdog groups from taking on big corporations. Biowatch Director Leslie Liddell confirmed at the weekend that it would go to the Pretoria High Court on April 23 2007, to contest the contentious legal costs ruling handed down early in 2006 by Judge Eric Dunn. The case follows Biowatch's successful high court case to gain access to information about the procedures used by the government to permit the release of genetically modified (GM) crops into the environment. Dunn ruled in favour of Biowatch and ordered the Registrar of Genetic Resources to hand over most of the information.

31.10.2006

Uganda 'needs biotech law' to save banana sector

[KAMPALA] An official in Uganda's agriculture ministry has expressed concern that policymakers are not keeping pace with scientific efforts to control a disease threatening the country's main cash crop.

Opolot Okasai, commissioner for crop production and marketing, told SciDev.Net yesterday (10 October) that banana bacterial wilt could cost Uganda US$6-8 billion in the next 5-10 years.

Uganda's National Agricultural Research Organisation and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture are working together to develop a transgenic banana that can resist the disease.

31.10.2006

GM grains versus proof of safety

Zambia has since 2002 refused to accept GM foods aid from USA on grounds that health risks to human are unknown. But the author highlights the issues of human and environmental health as regards GM foods.
GM Grains Versus Proof of Safety By Justin Mupundu The debate on Genetically Modified (GM) Foods in Zambia is around the issues of human and environmental safety? the potential risks: Unintentional introduction of the GM maize variety into the country as a result of the planting, or the spillage of the whole kernel maize produced as food.

The first government organized GMOs debate was in 2001,at Mulungushi international Conference Center. President Levy Mwanawasa, during the debate refused to accept GM foods from United States of America on grounds of that the health risks to human were unknown. Mark Mallock Brown, UNDP Administrator, agreed with the Zambian government: «They may well be food risks inherent in the GM crops, but are as yet unproved.”

31.10.2006

Malawi formulate national legislation to reject GM maize!

Malawi must formulate a national legislation to reject Genetic Modification (GM) maize, until it undertakes a scientific assessment of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) on human health and biodiversity.

Presenting the food aid analysis and its effects at the Southern Africa Social Forum (SASF), Edson Musopole from Action Aid said the decision with regard to the acceptance of GM commodities as part of food aid transactions rests with recipient’s country.

Musopole noted that alternative source of non GM food are usually available in local or non GM maize neighbouring countries.

31.10.2006

BKU leader, 100 others booked for field burning in India

KARNAL, OCTOBER 30: A day after hundreds of Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) activists burnt down the lone field in Haryana where trial for genetically modified rice was under way, the Karnal district police have booked the union’s national spokesperson, Rakesh Tikait, and 100 others on charges of criminal intimidation and damage to property by fire.

UP-based Rakesh Tikait is the son of BKU president Mahinder Singh Tikait. So far, no arrests have been made.

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